INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FOR SMALL FORM MUFFLE
FURNACES
Laboratory Equipment Pty Ltd
“Proudly Australian Owned and Operated.”
26 Farr Street, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone +61 02 95602811 Fax +61 02 95606131
www.labec.com.au
Introduction
This Instruction Manual is for the guidance of operators of Laboratory Equipment furnaces and should be
read before the furnace is connected to the electricity supply.
It is hoped that this manual will supply all the information that the customer should require for satisfactory
operation of the furnace. If, however, there are any questions that remain unanswered then the customer
should contact our Service Department.
Please quote the furnace type and serial number from the furnace rating label in all communications with
Laboratory Equipment.
Unpacking
Remove all packing and protective wrapping from both interior and exterior of the furnace. Check the furnace
for any possible transit damage. Ensure all ordered accessories are present. If any physical damage or
shortage is evident, do not discard the packaging material until the furnace is inspected by the distributor,
agent or manufacturer.
NOTE: All claims for shortage or damage must be made within fourteen days (14) from delivery.
Subject to our standard published conditions of sale, we have reasonable grounds to believe that we have
ensured, so far as it is reasonably practical that the products listed in our catalogue and brochures have
been designed and constructed so as to be safe and without risk to health when properly installed and used
in their environment by appropriate and trained personnel, and where applicable, in accordance with our
published instructions.
Warranty
Laboratory Equipment guarantees this furnace against faulty parts and workmanship for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Silicone Carbide elements are covered for 6 months under normal
working conditions, Molybdenum disilicide elements carry no warranty. Should any fault occur during the
warranty period, other than those caused by neglect or physical damage, Laboratory Equipment will, at its
discretion, repair or replace the faulty parts or equipment upon their return to the Laboratory Equipment
factory, freight prepaid. Laboratory Equipment accepts no liability for consequential loss or damage caused
through operation or malfunction of the furnace.
If the furnace is being operated overseas, advise Laboratory Equipment of the nature of the problem before
return and instructions will be given on the removal and replacement of faulty parts to avoid return of
complete furnace.
Installation Electrical
This equipment must be tagged and tested according to AS/NZS3760:2010 prior to use and thereafter
on a regular basis dependent upon the environment.
It is preferable to locate the furnace close to a powerpoint and it is recommended that double adaptors are
not used. Check the total wattage if connecting to multi point outlets. Check the rating plate for power
requirements. Installation is to be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with the power
requirements of the product specifications.
Initial Operation
The first time that the furnace is operated water vapour (steam) will be given off. Some of this steam may
condense on the front of the furnace and drip onto the bench below. The case will be hotter than usual as
some of the steam condenses on the inside of the furnace case. Heat up rates will also be slightly slower
during the initial firing. The water vapour comes from atmospheric moisture that is absorbed by the ceramic
fibre insulation during storage. A normal burn in period is 6-8 hours at 1000°C. After burn in and prior to
first use (when cool) wipe the residual dust caused during shipment from the furnace with a damp cloth.
Description of Controls
SEE APPENDIX A
SEE ENCLOSED USB - If fitted with a Eurotherm Nanodac Controller.
Laboratory Equipment Pty Ltd Instruction Manual - Muffle Furnaces 1
Factors Influencing Furnace Life
Corrosive Materials
Materials such as sodium containing compounds, fluxes, case hardening compounds, acids and other
reactive salts readily penetrate the ceramic lining of the chamber and attack the elements; they may also
cause the chamber lining to melt.
When using such materials the furnace must be protected and care must be taken to avoid contamination of
the furnace lining. The best method is to use a replaceable work-tube or hearth plate.
Metal Work Pieces
Care should be taken to avoid melting metal into the chamber walls. If metal is melted into the chamber
walls the furnace should be switched off immediately. The heating element is cast into the chamber walls,
and electricity can be conducted from the element if metal is melted into the walls. The element will need to
be replaced to continue operation of the furnace.
Operating Temperature
Although the furnace is designed to operate at the maximum temperature, element life can be significantly
prolonged by avoiding unnecessary operation at temperatures around the maximum.
Operating Time
The element deteriorates with time in operation so turning the furnace off when not in use saves element life
as well as electricity. Unlike silicon carbide elements, there is no advantage in leaving the furnace switched
on.
Use for "Burning Off"
If the furnace is regularly used for burning off materials (especially dental technicians and jewellers) it should
be occasionally heated to above 800ºC to remove carbon residues from the chamber. The vent tube at the
rear should be checked regularly to ensure that it has not been blocked by condensed residue.
Ceramic Tube Installation
A ceramic tube is included with the furnace. This tube should slide through the hole in the rear of the furnace
and allows natural venting. DO NOT fix the tube into position as it should be able to move. Position it evenly
between the inner liner and outer rear wall. The tube should angle slightly upwards at the rear as it allows
for natural convection. Remove the tube and fill the hole with fibre wool if a more sealed environment is
required.
Ashing Furnace to AS1038.4-1995 air/gas inlet tube connection.
Two ceramic tubes are fixed into the furnace. These will be mounted either above or below the furnace
ceramic muffle. These tubes flow into slits between the front tile and ceramic muffle. The inlet to the tubes
are located at the rear of the furnace. The tubes stop inside the stainless steel sheet metal casing.
Thermocouple
It is advised to check the thermocouple output periodically, either by a calibration test, or by comparing the
output with a new reference thermocouple which has been subjected to high temperature for a minimum
length of time. Connections for the thermocouple are at the rear behind the rear cover.
Failure to check the thermocouple may result in overheating of the load and furnace.
Safety Controller
If the furnace is fitted with an inbuilt overheat safety protection being Alarm 4 (AL4 = High). It must be set to
slightly above the desired set point temperature and will prevent overheating. It will maintain the Alarm Set
Value. Change the AL4 value to slightly above the set point temperature as set out in the instruction page.
The Alarm will be activated if the furnace exceeds the AL4 value or if the sensor is broken or damaged. If
the alarm activates ALM will flash. Reset after temperature falls or fault repaired by pressing Menu and
Scroll Keys together for 1 second to acknowledge the alarm (Ack).
Laboratory Equipment Pty Ltd Instruction Manual - Muffle Furnaces 2
Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM
REMEDY
Furnace does not heat -
Temperature Controller lights
Off.
1. Check furnace plugged in and power switched on.
2. Check that power is available from the power socket
by plugging another appliance into the power
socket.
3. Call Laboratory Equipment or your local agent for
assistance.
4. Check internal RCD has not tripped.
Furnace does not heat -
Temperature Controller OP1 and
ALM lights are on.
1. Reset alarm (Ack)
2. Check that ramp rate is set correctly;
3. Check door microswitch is engaged.
4. Possible fault relay or element call Laboratory
Equipment or your local agent for assistance.
Furnace does not heat -
Temperature Controller OP1 is on
and ALM light is off.
1. Check that timer is set correctly;
2. Check that timer is reset (i.e. turn off/on);
3. Check door microswitch is engaged.
4. Possible faulty controller - call Laboratory
Equipment or your local agent for assistance.
Furnace does not heat -
Temperature Controller is indicating
SbEr.
1. Thermocouple is faulty or has poor connection -
check thermocouple and if necessary order
replacement from Laboratory Equipment or your
local agent.
Furnace overheats -
Temperature Controller OP1 light is
on.
1. Thermocouple lead wires shorted;
2. Thermocouple removed from furnace;
3. Thermocouple faulty;
4. Call Laboratory Equipment or your local agent for
assistance.
Furnace overheats -
Temperature Controller OP1 light is
off.
1. Relay stuck on. Switch power off and call Laboratory
Equipment or your local agent for service.
Temperature indicator reads
backwards.
1. Thermocouple connected the wrong way around.
Safety Information
Isolate the furnace from the electrical supply before changing elements or thermocouples or undertaking
other routine maintenance. Ensure that the furnace is cold.
When reconnecting the furnace, ensure that the electrical connections are sound including earth supply
continuity.
Laboratory Equipment Pty Ltd Instruction Manual - Muffle Furnaces 3
Wear appropriate safety clothing when operating the furnace including a heat resistant face shield (tinted for
eye protection), gloves and apron.
Load and unload "hot" work with furnace tongs.
Do NOT use the furnace in the presence of inflammable or combustible chemicals; fire or explosion may
result.
To avoid fire, do not expose combustible materials to heat from the open furnace door.
Safety Note Insulation
This furnace contains refractory fibres in its thermal insulation. The materials used may be in the form of
fibre blanket or felt, vacuum formed board or shapes, mineral wool slab or loose fill fibre. Normal use of the
furnace will not result in any significant level of airborne dust from these materials; but much higher levels
may be encountered in maintenance or repair.
Whilst there is no evidence of any long-term health hazards, we strongly recommend that safety precautions
are taken whenever the materials are handled.
Exposure to dust from fibre which has been used at high temperature may cause respiratory disease.
When handling fibre always use an approved mask, eye protection, gloves and long sleeved clothing.
After handling, rinse exposed skin with water and wash work clothing separately.
Before commencing any major repairs we recommend reference to:
- ECFIA Bulletin Number 11
- Guidance Note EH46 (U.K. Health and Safety Executive.)
We will be pleased to provide further information on request. Our Service Department will quote any repairs
to be carried out on site at your premises or at our works.
Declaration of Conformity
Each product is thoroughly inspected and tested to not only ensure that it meets the specifications provided,
but to also meet Australian Electrical Standard AS3820 and EMC Standard AS/NZ1044:1995,and therefore
being accredited with a C Tick label.
Laboratory Equipment Pty Ltd Instruction Manual - Muffle Furnaces 4
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